I was thinking about how often I complain, and how often it’s about really stupid stuff, and that maybe today’s Joy Journal could be about perspective. So here goes –

51. It’s freezing outside. I’m thankful I have heat.

52. I’ve gained weight. I’m thankful I have food.

53. I hate doing laundry. I’m thankful I have so many clothes.

54. These politicians are terrible. I’m thankful I have the right to vote.

55. I look old. I’m thankful I’m alive.

56. I can’t sing at all. I’m thankful I can hear.

57. My lawn looks awful. I’m thankful to have so much space.

58. I keep losing at Words with Friends. I’m thankful I have so much free time.

59. I don’t have a whole lot of money. I’m thankful I have enough money.

60. I know longer have TiVo. I’m thankful that even though I’m the most spoiled person in the world, the Lord still loves me.

What have YOU been complaining about lately? Is it possible that despite what’s going wrong in your life, and I’m sure that all of your complaints aren’t as trivial as mine, that there is something you can find to praise the Lord about?

Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name ..” … 1 Chron 29:12-13.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11

I spent most of Friday seeing the world through blurry eyes. Watching my daughter get ready for her date with JD, seeing him prepare good things for her – the corsage, a new heart necklace – the whole event just made my heart soar. There is nothing JD wouldn’t do, no length he wouldn’t go to, to keep her safe. And yet the Bible tells us that what we feel is nothing compared to how the Lord feels about us.

If I could remember that, I think I’d walk a little differently through life. I hate to admit it, but I spent the first 30 years of my life thinking that God was watching and waiting, just trying to find a way to keep me out of heaven. How warped is that? He wasn’t, isn’t, trying to keep me out, He’s already done what He could to get me IN.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

It wasn’t pretty, all shiny in a velvet box, but He’s right. His gifts are way better.

My upcoming trip must be having an effect on me. Two holy days in a row – what will the Lord do next?

I spent the weekend playing tennis with my good friend and tennis partner, Sharon. We’ve been partners for over SIXTEEN years. In ALTA, that’s unheard of. But we decided years ago that we’d rather lose together, than win with other people. Sharon is a great Christian, a great mom, and a great friend. For sixteen years, just before we begin to play, she’s put her arm around my shoulders and prayed for us. Without fail, she thanks God for ME. Me, the girl that used to show up hung over with some goofy boy on my arm.

I asked her recently how she put up with me, back then, before I turned into the awesome, Christian role model that I am today. She said, “I loved you.” My friend LOVED me, as I was. While she never preached to me, she did show me a better way to live. I’m blessed to know her. And now, on the rare occasion that she is unavailable and I have to play with someone else, I always take a moment, put my arm around their shoulders, and pray.

Sharon turned the tennis court into a ministry. Where is yours? It’s wherever you ARE.

Be encouraged.

I love you all!

May your Christmas be merry and bright and full of the wonder of Christ, God as man, born to save us.

A friend asked me recently why I don’t post something of a faith nature. Here’s why: I am HORRIBLE at writing about things of faith. There’s a writing community online, where you are given writing assignments and critiqued. It’s called Faith Writers. I can NOT do it. It always sounds lame, like I’m trying to write a Spiritual Hallmark card. Occasionally, I’ll put on the worship music and try to make up my own psalm. Not good. In fact, I’m pretty sure if Heaven has anything like You Tube, I’ve gone viral.

So, instead, I’ll just SHOW you something of a faith nature. That works, right?

Behold, the Cardboard Testimony. These are going on all around the country, real people, real churches, real stories.

JD and I did one at our church. I can’t remember what our signs said. Probably something like, “Was Medium Holy, Now Wholly Holy”. Yeah, I’m pretty sure that was it.